The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect railway assets.

The managing director, Kayode Opeifa, in a statement on Friday in Lagos, described the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded against vandalism.

Mr Opeifa said the corporation would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities were diligently prosecuted.

That, he said, would serve as a deterrent to others.

“I commended the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism, vigilance and prompt response.

“This prompt response has recently led to the arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at about ₦200 million.

“The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos,” he said.

Mr Opeifa described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism.

According to him, this demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained collaboration between the corporation and security agencies in protecting public assets and preserving railway infrastructure.

He reiterated the corporation’s determination to deepen cooperation with the police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders.

He added that the collaboration would eliminate acts of vandalism, theft and sabotage capable of undermining railway operations across the country.

Mr Opeifa appealed to members of the public to support the ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely information that would assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities targeting railway facilities.

“The NRC remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation, while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” he said.

Also, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State command, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, urged the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws on the vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.

He warned vandals and other criminal elements to steer clear of Oyo State.

Mr Abimbola assured that the command would continue to pursue, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.

The commissioner added that the three suspects, arrested alongside the recovered railway materials, would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. 

(NAN)